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TR2/3/3A Problem with lift-the-dot fastener on door

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jfarris

jfarris

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The forward-most lift-the-dot fastener on my passenger door has come out. It is the kind with a long screw shank. I assumed it had been screwed into the block of wood that locates the side screens, but there is no wood directly behind it. So, I purchased a fastener with a bolt shank and nut to install. Surprise when I took the panel and then the topper off the door, that piece of wood is three pieces that form the top of the door and the outer door skin appears to be nailed to it. There is no way I am going to try to remove that to get to the back of my fastener hole. So, what is a reasonable fix - stuff JB Weld, Gorilla Glue, liquid nails, etc in the hole and reinsert the fastener or _____?
Thanks in advance,
 
Are you sure there isn't wood around the hole, that is just stripped out from where the stud pulled out? I just took a look at my 56 and I'm pretty sure that front stud is screwed into wood.

If so, then what I do is get a wooden kitchen match, coat the end with a bit of wood glue (Elmer's will do if you don't have anything better on hand) and jam that into the hole as far as it will go. Break it off flush, and repeat if there is room for another one (ISTR those studs were small enough for one matchstick). Screw the stud partway in, then wait for the glue to dry before seating it all the way.
 
I certainly would try Randals idea first. if it doesn't work or your set on using the machine threaded stud you purchased then take a drill bit just smaller then the hole and drill all the way through even through the back frame of the door. Next get a drill bit a little bigger then the hex nut and drill from the back side towards the door skin. Make sure you measure the depth you need so there is enough of the stud sticking through to get the nut started. So basically your counter boring from the back side. Be carful not to go too deep as not to pop an outie on the door skin.
 
Jim,
my recollection of what the wood piece looked like was that where each of the fasteners had been screwed into the wood there was more of a crater than a hole. I believe the JB WELD idea is a good one to use if Randall's idea does not work. I made a set of the wood inserts for the doors and would not wish to do it again.
Charley
 
Thanks to all who chimed in, I used the wood glue and match stick solution. It worked great, I tested it with a 90 mile round trip to the Indy Car race in Birmingham today. Tonneau didn't move, wish the heater worked a little better at 55* this morning.
 
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